A Pepeha is a Whakapapa-Based Statement of Identity
A pepeha is more than just an introduction—it is a whakapapa-based statement of identity that links you to the land, your ancestors, and your people. It is a declaration of belonging and a reflection of deep cultural connections. However, as pēpeha have gained wider recognition, mistakes have crept in. Some are small, while others completely miss the point of what a pepeha is meant to do.
Let’s explore some common mis-steps people make when constructing their pepeha and why they matter.
1. Including Your Spouse or Children
Your pepeha is about where you come from, not about your marriage or parenthood. While your relationships are important, they don’t belong in your pepeha because they do not define your ancestral roots.
Imagine if every generation added their spouse to their pepeha—it would quickly become a tangled web that loses the clarity of whakapapa. If you want to acknowledge your family, there are other ways to do so, but your pepeha should remain focused on your own identity.
2. Mixing Different Ethnic Lines in a Pepeha Urutau
For those who are not Māori but wish to acknowledge their ancestral roots in a pepeha urutau (an adapted pepeha for Tāngata Tiriti), it is best to focus on one ethnic line at a time. Trying to blend different heritages—say, Scottish and Samoan—into a single pepeha can create confusion.
Instead, consider crafting separate pepeha urutau for each significant lineage. This approach respects the integrity of each ancestry and ensures that the connections being made remain meaningful and culturally appropriate.
3. Listing Multiple Iwi in a Single Pepeha Māori
Some Māori have whakapapa to multiple iwi, and while all are important, a pepeha is not an exhaustive family tree. A pepeha should be anchored to one iwi at a time because each iwi usually has its own unique maunga, awa, moana, rangatira, and marae.
If you try to list all your iwi in a single pepeha, it can become confusing, especially when those iwi are geographically distant from each other. A better approach is to have a different pepeha for each iwi you affiliate with, allowing you to fully acknowledge and respect the mana of each connection.
Why These Distinctions Matter
Pepeha is not just about reciting words—it is about understanding and honouring relationships with land and whakapapa. When mistakes are made, they dilute the significance of the practice and can lead to misunderstandings about how identity is expressed in te ao Māori.
By ensuring your pepeha is constructed correctly, you uphold the integrity of this important cultural practice and show respect to the generations who came before you.
If you’re unsure about your pepeha, seek guidance from knowledgeable Māori in your whānau, hapū, or iwi. When done correctly, your pepeha will be a powerful expression of who you are and where you come from.
Conclusion
So, be careful when creating your pēpeha (multiple pepeha) or pepeha (single pepeha). Including errors in your pepeha will show that you have not paid attention to tikanga Māori. It will show that you have not put the work into its preparation. It will show that you are not treating this cultural practice with respect.
You will be diminishing your own mana when you present it to others. Worse still, you will be setting a bad example to children who are learning how to do their own pepeha.
Your pepeha is a reflection of who you are and where you come from. Take the time to learn, prepare, and present it correctly. In doing so, you honor your tūpuna, uphold tikanga Māori, and strengthen your own sense of belonging.
Kia tika te whakatakoto i tō pepeha—let your pepeha be correct and meaningful.
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